Junkies offered rounds of golf to keep off drugs - and taxpayers foot the bill

Last updated at 15:05 15 October 2007

Junkies are being offered rounds of golf at the taxpayers' expense under a drugs rehabilitation programme.

Drug users have been kitted out with free shoes, gloves and clubs through the Drugs Intervention Programme (DIP).

Opponents have dubbed the move as "barking mad" and said the cash should be spent elsewhere.

Under the scheme Hartlepool's worst drug offenders are targeted to get drug treatment and guidance from re-offending.

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Since the scheme was launched, there has been a significant fall in crime with the number of offences such as theft, robbery and burglary dropping by 27 per cent amongst those on the scheme.

It has emerged that more than half of the 50 people referred to the scheme are being encouraged to rebuild their lives through sport, and while many enjoy going to the gym, playing football or badminton, the most popular activity has been golf with 90 per cent of offenders indicating they would like to take up the sport.

The DIP Partnership bought two sets of golf clubs and other equipment after coming to an agreement with Hartlepool Power Station to use the nine-hole course at the Tees Road plant.

The funding for the project comes from the Tees Valley County Sport Partnership, which provides £2,000 a year, with the remaining money coming from the DIP, which itself is backed by Home Office cash.

Alison Mawson, head of community safety and prevention for Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "The DIP programme is Government funded, and the main aim is to get drug users fairly rapid access into treatment.

"As they eventually respond to treatment, we are encouraged to provide them with access to other things, such as training courses which could lead to employment, or into sport or leisure activities.

"For small amounts of money, we are investing in the lives of people and helping them to hopefully get back on track and give them an opportunity to contribute to society.

"The reduction in crime since the scheme started has been marvellous, and I think if you look at the money we are laying out compared to the drop in offences then there is value for money in what we are doing."

But Councillor Victor Tumilty, who represents the Grange ward on Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "We are catering for people who have drug problems brought on by themselves.

"We have youngsters in the town who can't afford these activities and they are being penalised. I think it's all wrong."

And Greatham councillor Geoff Lilley described the new scheme as "barking mad".

Coun Lilley said he was "very sceptical" about the project and added: "My initial reaction is that I can't see sense nor reason to it.

"I would like to see more work done in enabling people coming off drugs to help them get back into reasonably normal life, such as assisting them with tenancies and money management.

"I could think of better things in drugs treatment and better ways of spending money than going for a round of golf."

But his wife, Coun Alison Lilley, who represents the Fens ward, said: "Anything that helps people get off drugs I would support 100 per cent.

"Sometimes we have got to spend a little bit to get a lot more back and if it means spending just a little bit on users. You don't know if something works until you try it. It sounds an innovative idea."

Coun Reuben Atkinson, who represents the Dyke House ward, said: "I'm all for it."